Barefoot Farrier recommendations South Suffolk

[wibble]

Hi

I have just started loaning a 15.2 6 year old cob that is barefoot and has been so since birth. Before she came to me she didn't really hack as they had no hacking. We now hack 3 times a week.

Firstly would me hacking her on roads more mean she would need shoes on the front? My current yard seem to think so although we are moving on Friday so won't have any pressure from them.

Secondly can anyone recommend a good barefoot farrier in South Suffolk. We will be in Helions Bumpstead near Haverhill?

Any other tips for a first timer barefooter welcome

[Crystal Fire]

I'll try to help with half of your question!
With her being barefoot and working on roads I'd say wait and see. I've had horses stay fine in all sorts of work without shoes, and others have needed a bit of help from time to time. I've used boots, but would put shoes on if needed.
If you can't find a farrier recommended then have you thought of looking at the KC LaPierre website? Using one of their podiatrists would probably maximise your chances of carrying this off with your horse unshod, and wouldn't work out more expensive than shoes, maybe about the same I'd have thought.

[Santi]

Hi,
i just found your post, i don't know if Karin is still taking clients this way but there is another trimmer about to qualify in the area. I am in Bury and Karin lives in the Royston area, email her and ask. She is very experienced and does my horses.

Karin Schalkwijk kschalkwijk@yahoo.co.uk
:)

[Bay Mare]

If Karin is in your area and available I'd definitely recommend her. Although she hasn't done Saffy I've seen her in action and she assessed Saff before we went barefoot, she's excellent.

If Karin doesn't work out then contact Senjj/JustineJ on Enlightened Equitation or AEPAUK.

With regards to working on roads you may need to spend a time conditioning the feet and may have to use boots for a while but it is certainly doable.

Good luck :)